18 fun activities for the 2026 March Break

Whether yours runs from March 3 to 7 or from March 10 to 14, 2026, March Break is a chance to escape your hectic routine and enjoy some family time trying new activities, regardless of your budget. We’ve put together a list of inspiring ideas to help you plan the ideal March Break outing.

Outings that are both affordable and fun

It’s entirely possible to have fun with the kids without spending a lot of money! Be sure to stock up on snacks before hitting the road, so you can save yourself a few costly stops along the way.

1. Skate on a frozen trail

Ice skating aficionados are in for a treat! Lace up your skates for an adventure on frozen trails through the forest, such as the Sentier du Petit Pingouin in Outaouais or the magical Domaine de la Forêt Perdue (Domaine enchanteur), in Mauricie. For a more urban and festive atmosphere, enjoy the colourful musical lineup that’s sure to please the young and old alike at the Port of Québec’s Discoglace. A host of other skating rinks are open across Québec’s lovely regions.

2. Cast your line in the winter

Ice fishing is a tradition that’s deeply rooted in our Northern culture and entails drilling a hole in frozen lake. There are loads of magical places to go ice fishing. Whether you head to Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade in Mauricie, the Village Nordik in the Old Port of Québec, the Villages de pêche blanche – Contact Nature in Saguenay or Pêche Blanche Gatineau in Outaouais, there’s no shortage of options or fish to catch! We’ve also put together a comprehensive guide on the topic to help you plan a successful ice outing.

3. Go hiking or sliding on a winter trail in a national park

Half of Québec is covered by lakes and forests, so you don’t have to go far to explore our national parks. They boast accessible trails, spectacular scenery and affordable activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sliding and wildlife watching.

4. Explore a lively town or village

Many municipalities offer outdoor activities over spring break, such as illuminated trails, free shows, bonfires and cultural and family activities. Visit the vibrant and lively Quartier des Spectacles during the Montréal en lumière festival, or head to the city of Québec for a stroll along its cobblestone streets. In several cities, you can also embark on a Quest to Go. This interactive activity will take you on an exciting adventure through games and puzzles, guided by an intuitive mobile app.

A week of animal therapy

From adorable alpacas to big cats, Northern wildlife and marine animals, you’re in for an outing filled with smiles, cute photos and fond memories!

5. Visit a year-round zoo

Zoos are great destinations, even in the winter! For example, the Zoo de Granby, Parc Oméga, Parc Safari, Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien, Miller Zoo, Familizoo and the Zoo Ecomuseum are eager to welcome families for a unique winter experience. Educational areas, daily activities and family-friendly facilities make them a great pick for a March Break outing.

6. Admire the bison in Rawdon

La Terre des Bisons, a family-run agritourism farm founded in 1994, allows visitors to walk through a vast 400-acre estate, where bison and elk roam freely. The interpretation centre provides information about these impressive giants. You may even see some calves or meet Buffy, the resident “pet” bison.

7. Go hiking with an alpaca

If you’re looking for a relaxing, original and absolutely heart-melting activity, how about a hike with a friendly and charming alpaca? You’re in luck because a few spots offer this highly unique and surprisingly soothing activity.

8. Visit the Aquarium du Québec

With over 10,000 marine animals representing 300 species, the Aquarium du Québec is a must for a memorable family outing. Polar bears, seals, jellyfish, seahorses, stingrays that you can touch, and even a golden lobster, an extremely rare specimen, await your visit. You could spend a whole day exploring the depths of the sea while staying nice and dry!

9. Discover butterflies in the wild

Every year, Papillons en fête (in French only) transforms the greenhouses at the Jardin Hamel into a veritable tropical paradise. You can also visit one of the three magical aviaries run by Bfly, in the city of Québec, Brossard or Laval. It’s a magical, colourful activity, and an ideal way to forget about winter for a bit. Consider wearing bright clothing. The butterflies will mistake you for a pretty flower and happily land on you!

10. Try out winter horseback riding

Several equestrian-centres offer family-friendly trail rides. With the slow pace of the horses, the wintry trees and the gently falling snow, it’s a magical, almost meditative experience.

Move around and let loose!

There are lots of ways to burn off energy and get your adrenaline pumping, both indoors and outdoors. That should help the kids sleep soundly on the way back.

11. Simulate a free fall

Feel like you’re skydiving without needing a parachute at iFLY. It’ll literally blow you away! And it’s not just for grown-ups. Children are also welcome.

12. Unleash your inner ninja

Test your agility, endurance and ability to laugh at yourself. Whether you head to Obstak mouvement urbain, FOCUS Ninja Gym, ACTN3 or Ninja Factory par Cache-à-l'Eau, there are plenty of spots across Québec for aspiring ninjas. And the good news is that ninja training is open to kids, too!

13. Enjoy a competitive game of laser tag

The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to defeat the opposing team in a game of laser tag played in the dark. You’ll use tactics and strategy to outwit the enemy, which is sure to awaken our competitive spirit and make you feel like a kid again.

14. Race down a mountain on an Austrian sled

Inspired by the Alps, Austrian sledding allows you to hurtle down a track several kilometres long while sitting on a steerable sled. Head to Massif de Charlevoix or Mont Radar (in French only) for high-speed fun. It’s the ideal activity for those looking for a thrill without having to master a snowplow turn.

15. Hit the slopes for downhill skiing or snowboarding

Sometimes open until mid-April, Québec ski resorts offer something for everyone, regardless of their level! Head to the mountaintops of our vast province with the kids, where you can marvel at the snow-covered view before racing down through the powdery snow. It’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces! A hot chocolate (or a beer for the adults!) will warm you up and bring your family adventure to a wonderful close.

16. Push your limits on a via ferrata circuit

Climb the side of a cliff surrounded by breathtaking winter landscapes. It’s a thrilling yet safe way to step outside your comfort zone and push yourself to new heights. Via ferrata circuits are available in the winter in several regions, including Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Charlevoix and even the city of Québec and area.

Prepare to be amazed

With your feet firmly on the ground, enjoy awe-inspiring experiences among the treetops or under the night sky.

17. Gaze at the stars in a dark sky reserve

Admiring the treasures of the sky is a quiet and deeply soothing experience. And children love spotting constellations. You’ll need to leave the city limits to see the stars better at night. But to learn everything there is to know about the night sky, head to the ASTROLab at Parc national du Mont-Mégantic and its winter astronomy evenings.

18. Visit magical worlds

Looking for an activity that will delight children and grown-ups alike? You can’t go wrong with an immersive nighttime experience. Onhwa’ Lumina is an opportunity to learn about Huron-Wendat culture through a journey where light, sound stories and ancestral symbols intertwine. Running until March 7, Lumagica at the Sentier des cimes, located in the Laurentians, offers a complete change of scenery with its trail and observation tower illuminated in the evening.